Even with all this technology, I'm having a hard time figuring out how I might incorporate it into a kindergarten classroom. A lot of the interesting ideas presented in class didn't seem to apply. In my experience, younger children are bigger fans of hands-on type learning. Prezi presentations and Google Earth images aren't going to hold their attention.The only idea I've had for incorporating technology into a classroom full of 6 year olds is for them to use some of the many and varied games available online. There are a lot of simple math, alphabet, simple spelling and color games available that would be a fun way to review or learn these concepts.
For me, I would still rather give them crayons, paste, markers and paint than an iPad with a drawing app. I would rather have them gather on the carpet to be read a story than give them all Leapfrog Learning systems. I would rather have them play math or alphabet games with each other, or at least with tangible objects than set them in front of computer screens. I would rather take them outside and show them colors than leave it up to posters or computers to show them.
It's good that you are wrestling with technology and its place in kindergarten. Maybe, in the end, won't be how the students will use it but maybe how you will use it for their benefit? Maybe?
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